All Things Go Music Festival - SUNDAY: Lorde, Wet Leg, and more

There is a specific kind of magic to a Toronto Sunday in June, especially when the humidity hasn’t quite settled in and the breeze off Lake Ontario is still crisp. This year, that magic is amplified by the arrival of the All Things Go Music Festival at the RBC Amphitheatre. While the festival has long been a crown jewel of the D.C. music scene, its expansion into our city feels like a natural evolution. All Things Go has built a reputation not just for booking big names, but for curating a cohesive, emotional, and often cathartic sonic experience that resonates deeply with its audience.

The Headliners: A Study in Contrasts

Securing Lorde for a Sunday set is a massive win for the festival. Since the release of her transformative 2021 album *Solar Power*, Lorde has leaned into a more organic, sun-drenched sound that feels tailor-made for an outdoor waterfront venue. Expect a set that balances the high-octane nostalgia of her *Melodrama* era with the meditative, folk-leaning textures of her recent work. She remains one of the most compelling live performers of her generation—someone who treats a stadium stage like an intimate living room conversation.

Contrasting that atmospheric intensity is the sheer, unadulterated joy of Wet Leg. The Isle of Wight duo, who took the world by storm with their self-titled 2022 debut, bring a brand of post-punk that is as danceable as it is dryly hilarious. If you haven't seen them live, prepare for infectious hooks and a stage presence that feels like you’re hanging out with the coolest people at the party. They are the perfect antidote to any mid-festival fatigue, injecting a shot of adrenaline just as the sun begins to dip.

The Venue and the Vibe

The RBC Amphitheatre, situated right on the edge of the Exhibition Place grounds, is one of the most underrated spots in the city. It offers that rare combination of an open-air festival experience with a skyline view that reminds you exactly where you are. Because the festival runs rain or shine, the venue’s layout is designed to handle the elements, but it’s the proximity to the water that really seals the deal.

Being at 909 Lakeshore Blvd. W. puts you in a unique pocket of the city. You’re steps away from the historic architecture of the Exhibition grounds and the sprawling green space of Trillium Park. It’s a far cry from the concrete jungle of the downtown core, offering a bit of breathing room that you’ll definitely appreciate once the crowd starts to swell.

Making a Day of It

Since the gates open at 2:00 PM, you have plenty of time to explore the area before the music takes over. If you’re coming from the west, consider grabbing a pre-festival bite in Liberty Village. It’s a short walk north and packed with reliable spots like School for a hearty brunch or Big Rock Brewery for a casual pint. If you’re arriving from the east, take the scenic route along the Martin Goodman Trail. There is no better way to get into the festival mindset than cycling or walking along the water, watching the city skyline shift as you approach the amphitheatre.

Good to Know

• **Transit is King:** Don’t even think about driving. Parking in the Exhibition area during a major event is a logistical nightmare. The 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcars drop you right at the doorstep. If you’re coming from further afield, the GO Train to Exhibition Station is your best friend—it’s a five-minute walk from the platform to the gates.
• **Hydration and Comfort:** Even if the weather looks mild, the lake breeze can be deceiving. Bring layers. The temperature will drop significantly once the sun goes down, and you don’t want to be shivering during the final set.
• **Stay Hydrated:** Festival food and drink lines can get long. Bring an empty reusable water bottle if the venue policy allows, or prioritize grabbing a drink during the earlier, smaller sets to avoid the rush right before the headliners take the stage.